Evaluation 2- How does your media product represent a particular social group?

Evaluation 2

We have decided to compare our character Jinx to Gabriella Montez from High School Musical. This is because we think that they are similar in characteristics, actions and emotions.

Gabriella Montez

In images of these characters they both have happy facial expressions where they are smiling and their eyes are squinted, showing how happy they are.
Also, their looks as very similar as they both have brown hair and are both very pretty. Someone with brown hair is more likely to be cast as a nicer, more innocent person, as-a-pose to someone with fair hair. They wear little/ natural makeup which connotes they don't feel the need to impress anyone, this could also suggest that they are timid and shy and that they don't really want or need attention.

We have represented Jinx as placid follow of a friendship group, she is not the leader but doesn't mind. She is just happy to be around friends and will not hold grudges against anyone. Jinx is always reliable as she doesn't have any social priorities, she isn't trying to get the 'the top' so will do lots to help others and look after herself.

The mainstream media has represented Gabriella as a timid young adult who has dreams of her own and doesn't worry about anyone stopping her or getting in her way. She has a determined nature as well as kind and helpful to others.

Their pretty looks and soft features mean that they don't go unrecognised or pushed aside however, they are not as popular as those how wear lots of makeup, bright clothes and want the attention.




Sharpay Evans

We have decided to compare Brittany to Sharpay Evans also from High School Musical.

This is because we think they both have a sassy nature and both think they are popular and loved by everyone.

The characters are standing in the same sort of way. Their poses show off their sassy and intimidation side.
These two characters have similar looks as they both have bright blonde hair and wear lots of makeup. Blonde hair connotes to the audience that the character is 'fake' as bleach blonde hair is unnatural.  Barbie dolls are iconic for their bleach blonde hair as well as being known for being 'fake' and 'unrealistically perfect'. Another example of this characteristic is Regina George from Mean Girls. Regina also has platinum blonde hair, as is know, in her school as a 'Plastic'.

Unnatural hair colours connote that the characters have physically, made an effort and changed their appearance, This suggests that they are trying to attract the most attention and stand out.



Regina George

In these images, all the characters are supporting light colours and a shade of red. Brittany is very pale and wears a red rose in her hair, Sharpay and Regina wear white and pink. These colours connote innocence to the audience and the pink and red suggests danger. As white is the dominant colour for the characters it is almost as if they are trying to disguise themselves as friendly so that they are not recognised as who they really are. This furthers how two faced and fake these characters are and their fair hair adds to this illusion.

For this character representation we have stuck to the stereotype of a popular girl however we think we have challenged stereotypes in the way that Brittany and Jinx are friends. We think that in a mainstream teen-angst wouldn't be friends and Jinx would stay away from Brittany. In our teen-angst, Jinx puts up with Brittany and forgives her for her personality traits.